Hey there. I think Blues Traveler decided to throw a party and invite all of their favorite musician friends.
Because that’s what their new album Traveler’s Blues feels like to me — a big ol’ music party. One where all the guests take turns jamming with the band. And one where everyone has a smile on their face.
This album is just … fun! Great covers of some great tunes. With great musicianship throughout.
John Popper’s voice has never been better and his harmonica work is sharper than a barber’s razor. Plus, every guest artist (from Warren Haynes to “Kingfish” and Keb’ Mo’ to Rita Wilson) absolutely nailed it.
The songs are layered together in a great way too. So they combine into more of a playlist than an album. You could play this album on shuffle and never worry about needing to skip a song.
I had no idea I would like this album this much — but I do. This is one party I would have killed for an invitation to. Traveler’s Blues deserves a prominent spot in your listening rotations.
Online Corner
Photo by John Schnobrich on Unsplash
In my revolutions around the Internet this week, here are some of the items that made me stop and take a second look.
I got an especially big kick out of seeing Bernie Marsden working in the studio. And of course, Samantha Fish always gets a second look.
Videos
- Samantha Fish: She’s steppin’ it up a notch with a new song “Faster.” Does Faster mean Hotter? (Asking for a friend.)
- Bernie Marsden: He’s dropped a video of Albert King’s great “I’ll Play The Blues For You.” (Bernie’s still got it.)
- Will Johns: Here’s a song (“Bluesdaddy”) and a mini-tour of Brighton in the UK, all in the same video. (Nice slide work too.)
- The Black Keys: “Stay All Night” from their Delta Kream album. Not gonna lie, it’s Blues with a side of melancholy.
Articles
- Kenny Brown: Sidemen keep the Blues music world spinning. Here’s a profile of one of the best you didn’t know you knew.
- Chuck Berry: Keep your eyes peeled for a documentary on the man once called “ground zero for Rock & Roll.”
Podcasts/Livestreams
- Buddy Guy Redux: Just in case you missed Buddy’s documentary last week on PBS, here’s a link so you can catch up.
- Live From Nerdville: A Tom Hambridge interview (Kingfish’s producer); writer, producer (& drummer) extraordinaire.
New Blues Albums
Plenty of new Blues albums this week to keep you busy.
Blues Traveler really scratched my Blues Itch – big time. But Big Mike Aquirre and the Wesley Pruitt Band were my next faves.
So much good music, so little time. (Not a bad problem to have.)
Out Now
- Blues Traveler: Traveler’s Blues *** My Pick Of The Week *** …Easy call. Great album start to finish.
- Big Mike Aquirre & The Blu City All Stars: Mississippi Stew …Bluesy with some Soul. (Plenty of Horns too.)
- Wesley Pruitt Band: Gypsy Soul …More Texas-Style Americana than Blues. I love his voice.
- Andy Lindquist: Stand.Abide.Endure …Blues Rocky with a touch of swamp. All originals.
- Polly O’Keary And The Rhythm Method: 50 …Solid band and Blues/Rock feel. Polly sings everything with an attitude.
Coming Soon
- Lauren Anderson: Love On The Rocks (Aug 6th)
- Tito Jackson: Under Your Spell (Aug 6th)
- Troy Redfern: The Fire Cosmic (Aug 6th)
ATWB: New Blues Playlist
Photo by Wesley Tingey on Unsplash
I’ve added 12 new tunes to the ATWB: New Blues Playlist this week.
The Wesley Pruitt Band, Lisa Mills, Emily Wolfe (a very interesting little number by the way), Guitar Pete, a healthy helping of Blues Traveler, and more.
Share them with your honey and turn a ticklishly awkward moment into a tranquil one. (Who knows what might happen next?)
Enjoy them on Spotify — and please Follow or Share.
I’ll Leave You With: Some Ruthie Foster
Here’s a singer-and-a-half (and maybe more).
Ruthie Foster’s been crushing it since the late 1990’s and this is a perfect example. She can make her voice go boom and knock your hat off. Or bring it down so soft, you’ll find yourself holding your breath.
This is a pretty recent performance; from January 2021. (Totally Unrelated Side Note: Ruthie’s a Navy Vet.)
Jon Beres
I’m one part Blues Fan and one part Digital Native (with a dash of Curmudgeon.) I’m also the publisher of AlltheWayBlue.com. If you love the Blues, I have a feeling we’ll get along just fine - cheers!
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